Massachusetts Teacher Reportedly Charged in Two Bank Robberies

A Massachusetts middle school teacher has reportedly been placed on paid administrative leave after being charged with robbing two banks.

Gail Rasmussen, a 49-year-old teacher at Hollis-Brookline Middle School, was arrested and charged with two counts of unarmed robbery after turning herself into police in Concord, UnionLeader.com reports.

Rasmussen, of Brookline, Mass., was arraigned Wednesday in Concord District Court and released on $500 bail, Concord Police Sgt. Brian Goldman told the Web site.

Susan Hodgdon, superintendent of the Hollis-Brookline school district, said Rasmussen has worked for the district since 1999, with the exception of a brief teaching stint elsewhere.

"It's startling news," Hodgdon told the Web site. "And tragic in many ways."

Hodgdon continued, "This is a first. But what I find is that there is always information that comes to light to help us understand. I'm anticipating that will happen with this."

Attempts to reach Rasmussen Thursday were not successful.

Rasmussen allegedly robbed the Washington Savings Bank in Tyngsborough, Mass. on Dec. 16 and the TD Bank in Concord, Mass., on Dec. 20. She reportedly made off with at least $1,200.

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